CDC Find Benefits in Ignition Interlocks

As if there was any doubt to the benefits of in-vehicle breathalyzers, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released today a study into how the so-called ignition interlocks can help reduce drunk driving; their findings, obvious as they are, come to back the ideas of some that such systems should become mandatory in passenger vehicles.

After compiling 15 scientific studies into the matter, the CDC concluded that breathalyzers are a pretty good idea. After all, re-arrest rates for alcohol-impaired drivers with a drunk-and-drive past decreased by a 67 percent when compared to drivers with suspended licenses.

"Each day, more than 30 people die because of alcohol-impaired driving.  We know that interlock devices can save lives," said CDC cirector Thomas Frieden. "More widespread use of ignition interlocks will reduce alcohol-related crash deaths and injuries."

Currently, 13 US states have a legislation in place which requires convicted offenders to have their vehicles equipped with ignition interlocks. Even so, each year 11,000 people died in 2009 alone because of drunk driving. That's one third of all the fatalities reported for the year.

These little gadgets smell the alcohol in the air you exhale and, should they find the alcohol levels to be above 0.02 to 0.04 grams per deciliter, they lock the ignition of the vehicle and stop you from going anywhere. Including jail.

"Ignition interlocks allow offenders to keep operating their vehicles legally. At the same time, they effectively ensure that they do so more safely - not under the dangerous effects of alcohol," added Randy Elder, lead author of the review.